Betsy Burger named new dean for HHS

By Jacob Zokvic
Staff Writer

Betsy Burger has been named the dean of the Health and Human Services Division at Lansing Community College.

Burger had been serving as interim dean since October of 2021. She said she was surprised when she got the call to fill the position permanently.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the dean of the Health and Human Services Division,” Burger said. “I look forward to guiding the important work of this division, which has been so dedicated to student success and service to the community.”

Burger earned an A.A.S. in Dental Hygiene from LCC before working at a periodontal practice in Lansing. Burger has worked at LCC for 19 years as an instructor, a program director and an associate dean.  

She said she has several objectives for her new position, such as expanding the apprenticeship program.

“Last year the HHS Division received a grant that allowed us to hire a director of Apprenticeships and External Partnerships,” Burger said. “I am excited about the possibilities we have to work with our external partners to grow healthcare apprenticeships while helping them fulfill their workforce needs.”

She also mentioned continuing to move forward with the college’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Senior Instruction Coordinator Kelly Ellis has worked with Burger since she started at LCC.

“We are thrilled she is our new dean,” Ellis said. “She is very good to work with and work for. She is very knowledgeable about our division and programs, and makes work fun, too.”

Burger said she appreciated all her instructors and colleagues who have helped her along the way.

“It would be impossible to thank just one person,” Burger said. “I have experienced first-hand the difference LCC can make in a person’s life. Having the opportunity to do that for others is what inspires me to come to work every day.”